BMW has unveiled its new 3 Series, which for the first time includes an electric sedan, the i3. Based on the Neue Klasse platform, the i3 shares its technical toolkit with the iX3 SUV but pulls ahead on range.

The Munich-based automaker is calling for a starting price of €59,900 in Germany (€58,450 in Belgium), while those who want the full 900 kilometers will pay at least €65,900 ( €64,000 in Belgium).

Today marks the premiere of the new BMW i3, the first all-electric BMW 3 Series. For the Munich-based manufacturer, this mid-size model is essential, also because it ushers the traditional 3 Series into the electric era. It is also pivotal for BMW, as the electric saloon represents the scaling of the ‘Neue Klasse’.

Following the iX3 electric SUV, the electric i3 is the second representative of BMW’s completely new platform generation, including 800-volt architecture. The four-door model rolls off the production line at the main plant in Munich, where series production began in August.

In any case, today’s presentation is somewhat behind schedule: BMW had already moved the i3 order start-up to early summer.  We have known what the BMW 3 Series looks like since a design preview in March.

Two variants to start, others following

Initially, the i3 will reach dealerships in two all-electric variants: the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive. These will be joined by new mild-hybrid combustion variants of the 3 Series and, from 2027, a plug-in hybrid. It is clear that the ‘xDrive’ in the electric model names stands for BMW’s all-wheel-drive system.

The company has not yet announced a single-motor electric variant. However, since the technically related iX3 offers a rear-wheel-drive variant, a similar single-motor version for the i3 is at least likely.

BMW specifies the dimensions of the electric mid-size saloon as 4.76 x 1.87 x 1.48 meters, with a wheelbase of 2.90 meters. The drivetrain features BMW’s sixth-generation technology, including the familiar current-excited synchronous motor (240 kW peak power) at the rear axle and, in the all-wheel-drive system, an additional asynchronous motor (123 kW) at the front axle. It combines 800-volt technology with an NMC battery made of round cells.

In addition to the two versions already mentioned, BMW is also announcing a third variant at today’s premiere: an “extremely high-performance” M version of the electric i3 is set to arrive in 2027, under the moniker BMW i3 M60 xDrive. If this is the production version of what was called inside “the beast’ isn’t clear yet. The future Mi3 could be even more extreme.

In any case, the manufacturer describes the new top model in the series as “an outstandingly dynamic variant in the portfolio of the new BMW i3.” At the other end of the scale, entry-level versions are also likely to follow, but as mentioned, there are no concrete details yet on potential single-motor derivatives.

Over 900 km range

The new BMW i3 50 xDrive uses this modular technology to deliver 345 kW of system output and 645 Nm of maximum torque. The battery is a (net) 108.7 kWh high-voltage unit. Overall, the five-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds, which is slightly faster than the identically powered iX3, largely due to aerodynamics.

BMW claims an impressive WLTP range of 912 km, more than 100 km more than the iX3. Here, too, the saloon’s favorable air resistance likely plays a significant role. With this range, the i3 leaves the competition behind.

While the i3 50 xDrive will start at €64,000 in Belgium, BMW is also launching a more affordable AWD variant at the same time: the i3 40 xDrive features a smaller battery (82.8 kWh net) and less powerful motors, and is already listed at €58,450.

Specifically, the i3 40 xDrive has a 195 kW unit on the rear axle, combined with the same asynchronous motor on the front (123 kW) as in the i3 50, for a system output of 275 kW. The battery is the same unit introduced in the single-motor iX3, which delivers a respectable range of up to 710 kilometers in the i3.

ICE models

The electric i3 models will be joined by further new BMW 3 Series variants with “highly efficient petrol engines and 48V mild hybrid technology”. Taking to the stage as the most sporting member of the range, the new BMW M350 xDrive combines the allure of an M Performance model with the inimitable character of a BMW six-cylinder in-line engine. A plug-in hybrid drive variant (PHEV) will be added to the BMW 3 Series line-up over the coming year.

The new BMW M350 xDrive is the combustion-engine flagship of the BMW 3 Series range. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-liter petrol unit that benefits from a 48V mild hybrid system complete with a crankshaft-driven starter-generator and develops a maximum output of 326 kW/443 hp. It sprints from 0 to 100 kph in 4.1 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 kph.

Joining the powerful ICE top model are two variants with four-cylinder in-line petrol units. All petrol engines for the new BMW 3 Series feature the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

Charging in 21 minutes

When it comes to charging performance of the i3, both debut models of the Neue Klasse are on par: DC charging is specified at 21 minutes for the 10 to 80% range. For AC charging, 11 kW and 22 kW options are available. Here, the charging time to 100% is estimated at 11 hours or 5.5 hours, respectively. Additionally, the electric saloon supports full bidirectional charging (V2L at 3.7 kW, plus V2H and V2G at 11 kW).

For charging, the i3 40 xDrive has a slightly lower DC charging power of 300 kW compared to the 400 kW of the i3 50 xDrive, but thanks to the smaller battery, it charges just as quickly (in percentage) as the 50. For AC charging, 11 kW is standard, and 22 kW is optional. This should fully charge the battery in 8:15 hours or 4:15 hours, respectively.

‘Four-eyed face’

Across all drivetrains, the 3 Series versions share BMW’s positioning of the model as a mid-size all-rounder with “athletic performance, precise handling, and long-distance comfort”. The electric variants are said to deliver particularly “light-footed and sovereign driving behavior” thanks to the new central drive computer (called ‘Heart of Joy’). According to those responsible, this control unit operates ten times faster than previous systems, setting “new benchmarks in driving dynamics.”

In terms of the already revealed design, the i3 remains very close to the “Vision Neue Klasse” study presented at the IAA in 2023. This includes the headlights, which form a visual unit with the BMW kidney grille. BMW calls this design solution the “four-eyed face,” a new interpretation that is innovative yet familiar. At the rear, the horizontally mounted taillights also draw on the study: the lights extend almost to the central BMW logo.

Wide stance, familiar ‘Neue Klasse’ interior

Very typical of the i3, the model also features a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and shaped wheel arches. The door handles are now flush-integrated, and the wheel portfolio for the electric versions ranges from 19 to 21 inches. Optionally, customers can order the M Sport package and M Sport package Pro for an even sportier appearance.

Inside, there are few surprises following the world premiere of the BMW iX3. Typical of the Neue Klasse is a minimal design language, a striking steering wheel, a central touchscreen with angled sides, and the BMW Panoramic iDrive – a continuous display band at the lower edge of the windscreen.

The control logic is based on touch surfaces, haptic controls, and voice-based interaction. The latter is set to become more “dialogue-oriented” in the future thanks to the integration of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology.

Another standout feature is a large panoramic roof with climate comfort glass, which, according to BMW, combines with the window surfaces to create a “particularly airy and light-filled ambiance.” The manufacturer specifies the boot capacity as 420 liters, and there is also a 31-liter frunk under the front bonnet for the charging gear. The maximum towing capacity (12% slope) is 1.8 tons (braked) or 750 kg (unbraked), with a permissible roof load of 75 kg.

More AI

When it comes to driver assistance systems, BMW states that it has incorporated more advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into the vehicle. Specifically, these include SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems such as the BMW Symbiotic Drive motorway assistant, which allows hands-free driving up to 130 kph in many countries. Next year, new functions for partially automated driving in urban areas are also set to follow.

The i3 is built at the main plant in Munich, and in just over a year, only all-electric Neue Klasse vehicles will roll off the production line there. The site will phase out combustion-engine production.

Currently, in addition to the electric i3 and i4, the site also produces conventionally powered models of the 3 and 4 Series, including the 3 Series Touring, the 4 Series Gran Coupé, and the M3.

Munich will become the group’s second pure-electric vehicle plant after the completely new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, where the BMW iX3 is built. Further models of the Neue Klasse are expected to follow shortly, “to secure the future viability of the Munich main plant for the coming decades,” says BMW.